Large-scaled Scorpionfish

Photo: colinlnd · CC BY-NC

The gorgonian bases and rocky ledges shelter several scorpionfish in the 30 to 40 centimetre size range, their elaborate skin filaments matching the encrusting fauna perfectly. They are entirely sedentary ambush predators, sitting motionless for hours until a fish or crustacean ventures within striking range. Finding them requires a slow, patient search of the gorgonian bases — and then they are almost impossible to miss.